Iot device identification

ABSTRACT

Providing an interested party with network availability of certain devices may provide a method including one or more of identifying user requirements, identifying a prioritized list of devices operating on a network, identifying a degree of accuracy between the user requirements and the prioritized list of devices by performing tests associated with the user requirements on the prioritized list of devices, and providing an optimal device selection among the prioritized list of devices based on the degree of accuracy.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to selecting certain devices based on userrequirements and more specifically to identifying Internet of Things(IoT) devices based on factors such as a prioritization scheme and userrequirements.

BACKGROUND

Conventionally, Internet of Things (IoT) compatible devices operating ona network may offer services and functionality which can be customizedand embraced by user preferences. As IoT devices continue to grow inpopularity, their functions may not be fully utilized.

One conventional approach may include a way of registering Internetdevices that interact with each other. For example, capabilities of anelectronic software/networking stack may be associated with an IoTdevice, including the initialization of a multi-role module, registeringa resource value in the module and tracking such roles in a centralmanagement system. Such a configuration provides a way to limit thefunctional capabilities of a device by providing instructions on how todecide which device input to use.

Another conventional approach may include a way of identifying deviceson a network for the purpose of communicating with other devices.However, this approach fails to address customization and preferencesbeing identified prior to any type of IoT device initiation orexecution.

SUMMARY

One example embodiment may include a method that comprises one or moreof identifying user requirements, identifying a prioritized list ofdevices operating on a network, identifying a degree of accuracy betweenthe user requirements and the prioritized list of devices by performingtests associated with the user requirements on the prioritized list ofdevices, and providing an optimal device selection among the prioritizedlist of devices based on the degree of accuracy. An advantage of pairinguser requirements with various network devices may include offering auser with a most optimal device that is available to satisfy the userrequirements which saves the user time in device selection and providesa basis for a better user experience.

The user requirements may include a plurality of operationalrequirements for Internet of Things (IoT) compatible devices. Theplurality of operational requirements for the IoT compatible devices mayinclude security functions and/or operational functions. An advantage ofpairing user requirements with IoT devices may include providing a userwith a most optimal device that is available to satisfy the userrequirements. The tests on the devices may be performed by crowdsourcingwhich provides the advantage of having users of one or more of thedevices provide feedback regarding the types of services the devicesprovide, whether those services and devices work properly and which onesare more optimal than others.

The method may also include providing the optimal device selection amongthe prioritized list of devices by providing one or more of a mostoptimal device selection, one or more user requirements which are notsatisfied by the most optimal device selection, and one or more risksassociated with the most optimal device selection. Publishing a list ofrisks associated with the devices based on the user requirements mayprovide a user with a report of which devices should not be considered(or conversely, which should), which user desired features were notfound or paired with the devices and which risks or limitations may bepresent if the devices are utilized.

Additional features may include weighting the prioritized list ofdevices based on the user requirements, selecting a group of devices inthe prioritized list which perform the user requirements, and providingthe group of devices as the optimal device selection. An advantage ofweighting the prioritized list of devices includes demonstrating adegree of relevance for each device.

Another example embodiment may include an apparatus that comprises aprocessor configured to perform one or more of: identify userrequirements, identify a prioritized list of devices that operate on anetwork, identify a degree of accuracy between the user requirements andthe prioritized list of devices based on tests performed on theprioritized list of devices, wherein the tests are associated with theuser requirements; and a transmitter configured to transmit an optimaldevice selection among the prioritized list of devices based on thedegree of accuracy. Providing a user with a most optimal device thatsatisfies the user requirements results in an advantageous outcome.

A further example embodiment comprises non-transitory computer readablestorage medium configured to store instructions that when executed causea processor to perform one or more of identifying user requirements,identifying a prioritized list of devices operating on a network,identifying a degree of accuracy between the user requirements and theprioritized list of devices by performing tests associated with the userrequirements on the prioritized list of devices, and providing anoptimal device selection among the prioritized list of devices based onthe degree of accuracy. An advantage of the non-transitory computerstorage medium is that the instructions contained therein provide a mostoptimal device that is available to satisfy the user requirements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a logic block diagram of an IoT device configurationaccording to example embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a system signaling diagram of a IoT device selectionand compliance configuration according to example embodiments.

FIG. 3A illustrates a flow diagram of an example method of operationaccording to example embodiments.

FIG. 3B illustrates a flow diagram of another example method ofoperation according to example embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example network entity configured to support oneor more of the example embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be readily understood that the instant components, as generallydescribed and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged anddesigned in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, thefollowing detailed description of the embodiments of at least one of amethod, apparatus, non-transitory computer readable medium and system,as represented in the attached figures, is not intended to limit thescope of the application as claimed, but is merely representative ofselected embodiments.

The instant features, structures, or characteristics as describedthroughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner inone or more embodiments. For example, the usage of the phrases “exampleembodiments”, “some embodiments”, or other similar language, throughoutthis specification refers to the fact that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentmay be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of thephrases “example embodiments”, “in some embodiments”, “in otherembodiments”, or other similar language, throughout this specificationdo not necessarily all refer to the same group of embodiments, and thedescribed features, structures, or characteristics may be combined inany suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

In addition, while the term “message” may have been used in thedescription of embodiments, the application may be applied to many typesof network data, such as, packet, frame, datagram, etc. The term“message” also includes packet, frame, datagram, and any equivalentsthereof. Furthermore, while certain types of messages and signaling maybe depicted in exemplary embodiments they are not limited to a certaintype of message, and the application is not limited to a certain type ofsignaling.

One embodiment of the present application provides a central servicethat permits a consumer to select features of an IoT device that aremost important to the user, for example based on functionality and/orprice and present the best option(s) to a user device for viewing,selection and/or purchase by the user. The options may include a deviceor devices to be used based on requirements established by the userwhich are stored in memory and retrieved and used as a basis to performcomparisons of the IoT devices prior to presentation.

Example embodiments provide an application and/or software, method,apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium which support atesting and confirmation system to assist interested parties, such asusers, vendors, etc., with an accurate list of available IoT devices,resources, etc. For example, a list of characteristics of IoT device(s)can be created and shared with any interested party. The devices may beidentified and tested to ensure the information associated with thedevice (such as specifications, functionality, price, availability,etc.) is correct. Users of the service can select features they considerimportant and an order or weight of such features, such as security andimplementation. The system will return a weighted list of devices thatmeet the requirements or which are the closest to the fulfilling therequirements. A user may also use and/or register a device once thedevice has been chosen, obtained, rented or purchased. If anyvulnerabilities are later detected in a used IoT device, the instantapplication can inform the user, via a user's device, of thevulnerability, an update to fix the vulnerability, etc. Based on thevulnerability, the instant application can assign a risk rating ofprobability vs. impact. A user of a user device can then make aninformed decision to continue to use the IoT device until the update isavailable or discontinue using the device.

It would be beneficial to include features that are identified anddesired prior to entering a device into a network based on features thatare deemed to be important. Also, using available information toidentify possible risks for a device and possible remediation to thoserisks may be beneficial. Additionally, monitoring the registered devicesto provide additional input during the active life of the IoT devicewould be advantageous.

It would be helpful to monitor the registered devices to provideadditional input during the active life of the IoT device. Also,verifying claims made by a manufacturer about the capabilities of adevice and providing a communication mechanism to notify users ofpotential issues and the risks of those issues would be advantageous.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 configured to provide IoT deviceconfiguration according to example embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1, auser device 132 and user requirements 134 may be part of or communicablycoupled to a user device service or structure 130 which includes a userprofile, memory and a communication platform for communicating with acentralized IoT service device(s) 120. Such communication may includereceiving updates and other information from the IoT service device 120and providing information from the structure 130 to the service device.In other embodiments, the functionality and elements described hereincan all be contained in or performed by the user device 132. Therequirement information is received via a per user or per profile basisand used to organize IoT device related information (such asavailability, functionality, etc.). For example, the IoT nodes ordevices A 122, B 124 . . . N 126 may be any type of device providing anytype of service.

In one example embodiment, a service will permit a user to find IoTdevices that meet the user's requirements for the functionality of theIoT device(s). Recommendations of an IoT device (which can be weightedand based on functionality, security and/or other factors) may beperformed by a centralized service, which can provide a list of devicesthat fit the users' requirements. Since the pool of available IoTdevices and resources is likely to yield a less than perfect requirementmatch, a prioritized list of devices that best fit the user'srequirements may be provided. Makers of IoT devices may provide input tothe service regarding the features and other attributes of their IoTdevices (including what are considered non-functional requirements)and/or the service or service device 120 can receive or request thisinformation from any source (such as one or more web sites orapplications). This embodiment provides an advantage that all availabledevices on the IoT network may be reduced to a list which is suitablefor a particular user profile, user preferences and/or userrequirements.

An embodiment in which the list of prioritized devices is weighted andincludes user requirements which are not found in any of the deviceslisted has the advantage of providing a list of requirements which werenot found (or partially found) in any of the available devices. The usercan then decide whether the available IoT devices are enough to satisfythe user's requirements or whether another search should be performed.

In operation, a user can select various bundles of desirable features orindividual features or a combination of both by establishing a priorityof features, for example. Crowdsourcing, as a way of testing, may occurto determine a veracity of the features. A determination may be made bycomputing a closest fit for the desirable features in a ranked order andproviding a set of missing features and any risks that there may bebased on the missing features. The IoT device that a user of the systemis registered with may provide the user with an ability to receiveupdates (via an opt-in for example) on any issues with the IoT deviceand any new releases of firmware/software. In the event of a change,notifying a user of the system of any issues (e.g. vulnerabilities) withthe IoT device and any available updates may also be performed. A usercan register their IoT device make, model, where the purchase was madeand any firmware/software levels, as well as any other informationassociated with the device, with the service device 120. The service mayscan the Internet identifying reported issues on the IoT devices whichare available. The service will compute a risk rating based on thereported issue by computing a probability vs impact score. The servicemay scan the vendor information to identify new firmware/softwareupdates for the IoT devices registered in the system. The service cannotify a registered user of the service if there are anyreported/verified issues or firmware/software.

FIG. 2 illustrates a system signaling diagram of a IoT device selectionand compliance configuration according to example embodiments. Referringto FIG. 2, the system includes at least three devices including but notlimited to a user device 210, an IoT service device 220 and theavailable and known IoT devices 230. In operation, the user device 210may submit a query or have a set of recurring requirements which areviewed and checked continuously for updates to the network of IoTdevices 230. The requirements 212 are received and processed at theservice device and then availability of devices 214 can be requested andreceived 216. The known services, attributes (i.e., device type, devicecompatibility, device services, software/hardware requirements, etc.) ofeach device are then compared to the user device submitted requirements218. The ranking order of prioritization may be listed based on devices,device attributes, weighted sums, etc. The most relevant devices may bescored and ranked in an optimal order 222. The list of results can beshared with the user device 210 to establish an order of devicerelevancy 224.

FIG. 3A illustrates a flow diagram of an example method of operationaccording to example embodiments. Referring to FIG. 3, the method 300may include one or more of identifying user requirements 312,identifying a prioritized list of devices operating on a network 314,identifying a degree of accuracy between the user requirements and theprioritized list of devices by performing tests associated with the userrequirements on the prioritized list of devices 316, and providing anoptimal device selection among the prioritized list of devices based onthe degree of accuracy 318. The user requirements can include aplurality of operational requirements for IoT compatible devices and theplurality of operational requirements for the IoT compatible devices mayinclude security functions. The tests may be performed by crowdsourcing(via the Internet, for example) to receive feedback. The method may alsoinclude providing the optimal device selection among the prioritizedlist of devices by providing a most optimal device selection, one ormore user requirements which are not satisfied by the most optimaldevice selection, and one or more risks associated with the most optimaldevice selection. The method may also include weighting the prioritizedlist of devices based on the user requirements. Each device may beassigned a weight that corresponds with the degree of accuracy thedevice satisfies the user requirements. Also, instead of having a singledevice be assigned to a user or having one most optimal device, a groupof devices may be assigned which met or exceed the user requirements,and those devices may be provided as the most optimal device selection.

FIG. 3B illustrates a flow diagram of another example method ofoperation according to example embodiments. Referring to FI 358G. 3B,the method 350 may include one or more of identifying a degree ofaccuracy between user requirements and a prioritized list of devices byperforming tests associated with the user requirements on theprioritized list of devices 352, providing an optimal device selectionamong the prioritized list of devices based on the degree of accuracy354, detecting presence in a network of at least one device of theprioritized list of devices 356, detecting a change in the userrequirements 358, performing a test related to the change 362 anddisabling the device when a result of the test related to the change ismet 364. Makers of IoT devices can provide input to the serviceregarding the features of their IoT devices, including non-functionalrequirements. Subject Matter Experts or SME's can set a bundle(grouping) of desirable features for specific type of IoT devices, forexample, security features. A user can select various bundles ofdesirable features or individual features or a combination of both bypriority of features. If a user's requirements change, the device(s) theuser is currently using may be disabled by the service device 120, orpartially disabled. Further, an alternate device(s) may be recommendedto the user based on the changed requirements.

According to another example, a system, component, method, andnon-transitory computer readable medium may provide a mechanism tonotify a user of a system (such as the IoT service device 120) of anyissues (e.g. vulnerabilities) with the IoT device and any availableupdates which permit a user to receive this information (based on one ormore of a registered device, a device make, model, where purchased,and/or firmware/software levels). The service can continuously scan theInternet looking for reported issues on the IoT devices being monitoredand can report those issues and/or compute a risk rating based on thereported issue by computing a score (based on probability, impact, cost,etc.). The service can also continuously scan vendor or manufacturerinformation looking for new firmware/software updates for the IoTdevices stored in its system. The service will notify a user of theservice if there are any reported/verified issues.

The above embodiments may be implemented in hardware, in a computerprogram executed by a processor, in firmware, or in a combination of theabove. A computer program may be embodied on a computer readable medium,such as a storage medium. For example, a computer program may reside inrandom access memory (“RAM”), flash memory, read-only memory (“ROM”),erasable programmable read-only memory (“EPROM”), electrically erasableprogrammable read-only memory (“EEPROM”), registers, hard disk, aremovable disk, a compact disk read-only memory (“CD-ROM”), or any otherform of storage medium known in the art.

An exemplary storage medium may be coupled to the processor such thatthe processor may read information from, and write information to, thestorage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integralto the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in anapplication specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”). In the alternative,the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components.For example, FIG. 4 illustrates an example network element 400, whichmay represent or be integrated in any of the above-described components,etc.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, a memory 410 and a processor 420 may bediscrete components of a network entity 400 that are used to execute anapplication or set of operations as described herein. The applicationmay be coded in software in a computer language understood by theprocessor 420, and stored in a computer readable medium, such as, amemory 410. The computer readable medium may be a non-transitorycomputer readable medium that includes tangible hardware components,such as memory, that can store software. Furthermore, a software module430 may be another discrete entity that is part of the network entity400, and which contains software instructions that may be executed bythe processor 420 to effectuate one or more of the functions describedherein. In addition to the above noted components of the network entity400, the network entity 400 may also have a transmitter and receiverpair configured to receive and transmit communication signals (notshown).

Although an exemplary embodiment of at least one of a system, method,and non-transitory computer readable medium has been illustrated in theaccompanied drawings and described in the foregoing detaileddescription, it will be understood that the application is not limitedto the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements,modifications, and substitutions as set forth and defined by thefollowing claims. For example, the capabilities of the system of thevarious figures can be performed by one or more of the modules orcomponents described herein or in a distributed architecture and mayinclude a transmitter, receiver or pair of both. For example, all orpart of the functionality performed by the individual modules, may beperformed by one or more of these modules. Further, the functionalitydescribed herein may be performed at various times and in relation tovarious events, internal or external to the modules or components. Also,the information sent between various modules can be sent between themodules via at least one of: a data network, the Internet, a voicenetwork, an Internet Protocol network, a wireless device, a wired deviceand/or via plurality of protocols. Also, the messages sent or receivedby any of the modules may be sent or received directly and/or via one ormore of the other modules.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that a “system” could be embodiedas a personal computer, a server, a console, a personal digitalassistant (PDA), a cell phone, a tablet computing device, a smartphoneor any other suitable computing device, or combination of devices.Presenting the above-described functions as being performed by a“system” is not intended to limit the scope of the present applicationin any way, but is intended to provide one example of many embodiments.Indeed, methods, systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may beimplemented in localized and distributed forms consistent with computingtechnology.

It should be noted that some of the system features described in thisspecification have been presented as modules, in order to moreparticularly emphasize their implementation independence. For example, amodule may be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising custom verylarge scale integration (VLSI) circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelfsemiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discretecomponents. A module may also be implemented in programmable hardwaredevices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable arraylogic, programmable logic devices, graphics processing units, or thelike.

A module may also be at least partially implemented in software forexecution by various types of processors. An identified unit ofexecutable code may, for instance, comprise one or more physical orlogical blocks of computer instructions that may, for instance, beorganized as an object, procedure, or function. Nevertheless, theexecutables of an identified module need not be physically locatedtogether, but may comprise disparate instructions stored in differentlocations which, when joined logically together, comprise the module andachieve the stated purpose for the module. Further, modules may bestored on a computer-readable medium, which may be, for instance, a harddisk drive, flash device, random access memory (RAM), tape, or any othersuch medium used to store data.

Indeed, a module of executable code could be a single instruction, ormany instructions, and may even be distributed over several differentcode segments, among different programs, and across several memorydevices. Similarly, operational data may be identified and illustratedherein within modules, and may be embodied in any suitable form andorganized within any suitable type of data structure. The operationaldata may be collected as a single data set, or may be distributed overdifferent locations including over different storage devices, and mayexist, at least partially, merely as electronic signals on a system ornetwork.

It will be readily understood that the components of the application, asgenerally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may bearranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations.Thus, the detailed description of the embodiments is not intended tolimit the scope of the application as claimed, but is merelyrepresentative of selected embodiments of the application.

One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that theabove may be practiced with steps in a different order, and/or withhardware elements in configurations that are different than those whichare disclosed. Therefore, although the application has been describedbased upon these preferred embodiments, it would be apparent to those ofskill in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternativeconstructions would be apparent.

While preferred embodiments of the present application have beendescribed, it is to be understood that the embodiments described areillustrative only and the scope of the application is to be definedsolely by the appended claims when considered with a full range ofequivalents and modifications (e.g., protocols, hardware devices,software platforms etc.) thereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: identifying user requirements; identifying a prioritized list of devices operating on a network; identifying a degree of accuracy between the user requirements and the prioritized list of devices by performing tests associated with the user requirements on the prioritized list of devices; and providing an optimal device selection among the prioritized list of devices based on the degree of accuracy.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the user requirements comprise a plurality of operational requirements for Internet of Things (IoT) compatible devices.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of operational requirements for the IoT compatible devices comprise security functions.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the tests are performed by crowdsourcing.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the optimal device selection among the prioritized list of devices further comprises providing one or more of a most optimal device selection, one or more user requirements which are not satisfied by the most optimal device selection, and one or more risks associated with the most optimal device selection.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising weighting the prioritized list of devices based on the user requirements.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: selecting a group of devices in the prioritized list which perform the user requirements; and providing the group of devices as the optimal device selection.
 8. An apparatus, comprising: a processor configured to identify user requirements, identify a prioritized list of devices that operate on a network, identify a degree of accuracy between the user requirements and the prioritized list of devices based on tests performed on the prioritized list of devices, wherein the tests are associated with the user requirements, and a transmitter configured to transmit an optimal device selection among the prioritized list of devices based on the degree of accuracy.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the user requirements comprise a plurality of operational requirements for Internet of Things (IoT) compatible devices.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the plurality of operational requirements for the IoT compatible devices comprise security functions.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the tests are crowd sourced.
 12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the optimal device selection among the prioritized list of devices includes one or more of a most optimal device selection, one or more user requirements which are not satisfied by the most optimal device selection, and one or more risks associated with the most optimal device selection.
 13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured to weight the prioritized list of devices based on the user requirements.
 14. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured to select a group of devices in the prioritized list which perform the user requirements, and provide the group of devices as the optimal device selection.
 15. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium configured to store instructions that when executed cause a processor to perform: identifying user requirements; identifying a prioritized list of devices operating on a network; identifying a degree of accuracy between the user requirements and the prioritized list of devices by performing tests associated with the user requirements on the prioritized list of devices; and providing an optimal device selection among the prioritized list of devices based on the degree of accuracy.
 16. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the user requirements comprise a plurality of operational requirements for Internet of Things (IoT) compatible devices.
 17. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the plurality of operational requirements for the IoT compatible devices comprise security functions.
 18. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the tests are performed by crowdsourcing.
 19. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein providing the optimal device selection among the prioritized list of devices further comprises providing one or more of a most optimal device selection, one or more user requirements which are not satisfied by the most optimal device selection, and one or more risks associated with the most optimal device selection.
 20. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the processor is further configured to perform: weighting the prioritized list of devices based on the user requirements; selecting a group of devices in the prioritized list which perform the user requirements; and providing the group of devices as the optimal device selection. 